DOMAHOKA

Conte d'Hiver

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:01:43 +0000

Conte d'Hiver

6 february mmxii

Before long, a small collection of photos and words on fashion and futurology

New York Fashion Week begins in a few more days. We’re keeping it soft, light, and easy. Floating, lingering memories from September MMXI.

Credits

words Doris Ho-Kane

images Doris (1, 2, 5) and Mark Ho-Kane (3, 4)

Revisited

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:21:19 +0000

Revisited

4 february mmxii

A behind-the-scenes glimpse at Dani Griffiths of Clyde

One, two, three, four, five images capturing that quiet contentment, in-between. Dani Griffiths, wonderwoman.

Credits

words Doris Ho-Kane

images Mark Ho-Kane (1, 2, 3) and Doris (4, 5)

Opus Dani

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:06:07 +0000

Opus Dani

23 january mmxii

A video interview with Dani Griffiths of Clyde

On an unseasonably warm winter afternoon, we were welcomed into the South Williamsburg home of Dani Griffiths, the visionary behind crocheted accessories line Clyde. With cameras of the manual and moving picture variety in tow, we ambled into new territory: our first ever studio visit and video interview. When she’s not diligently crocheting her Clyde collection, Dani works as a model and is also the sales director of Assembly New York’s house collection, all the while wearing many other hats (pun intended). I met Dani a couple of years ago and was introduced to her through our mutual friendioso, Mina Stone. Her collection spoke for itself in its impeccable quality and design, but after Dani shared her process and the concept of slow fashion, I knew we had to carry her pieces in our DOMAHOKA shop.

Mark and I shared a couple of inspiring hours with Dani, going over her current collection, as well as getting a sneak peek of things to come. Mostly known for her soft crochet accessories (namely, the ubiquitous convertible hood), Dani is moving into new materials including leather, shearling, and felted wool. Her husband, David Michael, a self-taught patternmaker and designer, has assisted her in concocting millinery patterns and carving hats out of wool. Dani and David are not only a talented duo with their own labels, but they also jam together in their living room as another creative outlet. This afternoon, she showed us a drum machine she recently acquired; rich clamors and noises reverberated, murmured, and recoiled throughout their light-filled apartment.

As with everything Dani does, Clyde feels like you’re uncovering a secret or hidden treasure. The concept of slow fashion behind Clyde, the subtle details in her gorgeous handwork, its limited distribution. She lives in the quieter quarters of Brooklyn, away from the hustle and bustle of life above Grand Street. The soundtrack for the afternoon was The Cleaners from Venus, obscure English poet Martin Newell’s cassette band from the 80s. Dani embodies her collection; a radiant, natural beauty who envelops integrity, strength, and warmth.

In addition to our video interview, bonus questions and answers below! Thank you for a delightful afternoon (and snack attack), Dani!

Doris: What’s inspiring you right now?

Dani Griffiths: Definitely my friends. I feel very thankful to be surrounded by a group of the brightest stars in the sky! From designers to musicians to writers to straight-up chillers…I draw from the whole melting pot. Music is also a driving force with what I do. It’s all about the in-between feelings and one of the purest ways to transmit creativity.

D: What is your favorite piece from the Clyde collection?

DG: The Flight Hat has been a very personal endeavor, and has directed my gaze towards tailored, sculpted headwear and accessories. Working with leather is much like working with yarn as both are unprocessed fibers.

D: Where can one procure some Clyde treasures?

DG: In New York—Assembly New York, JF & Son and a new shop in Brooklyn called Beautiful Dreamers. A couple other hubs are Stand Up Comedy (Portland), Two of a Few (Vancouver), and Fawn (Toronto).

D: Besides your own knitwear line, what other designers do you wear?

DG: Naturally, Assembly New York and David Michael. But honestly if those two haven’t made it, it’s probably an old thing I’ve found on a scavenge hunt. Can’t forget Christophe Lemaire and A Détacher though.

D: You also do a bit of modeling on the side. What has been your favorite modeling experience?

DG: Recently, my friends Monika Wyndham and Jody Rogac organized a journey (or I guess I should say photo shoot) up to the massive stone sculpture called Opus 40. Opus 40 is a stone labyrinth created by the sculptor Harvey Fite. He strove to spend 40 years of his life building this structure with his bare hands from an old stone quarry he purchased. He got to year 39, but that’s definitely worth a hat tip. It’s beautiful, an ‘elevated’ place indeed. Google it.

D: What are your favorite neighborhood places to eat and visit in New York City?

DG: No matter where in the world I am, I long for the chocolate chip cookie from Marlow & Sons. Fat Cat is awesome for weird winter nights with gospel singers and shuffle board. Boubouki in the Essex Street Market. Tompkins Square and the Tompkins Square farmers market. Doughnut Plant.

D: What is the most magical meal you’ve ever experienced? What was it?

DG: Damn, well I love food so I try to keep eating consistently magical. A friend of mine took me for a birthday dinner at Octopus’ Garden in Vancouver. It’s some of the best Japanese food I’ve ever had. The chef’s name is Sada and he likes to say, “Every day is Sadaday!!”. Kappa House in my hometown of White Rock is a little dream too. A Japanese restaurant created inside of a little, old 50s house. Rice walls, food you don’t want to eat because it’s so beautiful. Then you start to cry and you eat it, and then you want to laugh AND cry.

D: Who/what is your spirit animal?

DG: A bass guitar

D: If you could have lived in a different lifetime, what decade would you pick?

DG: The year 2727!! It’s all about the future! But, if it has to be in the past—the androgynous world of the 70s.

D: If you could only listen to only one album on repeat for the next decade, what would it be?

DG: Brian Eno & Robert Fripp, Evening Star

D: Who/what are five loves of your life?

DG: Family, Hannah Acton, David Hershberger, Plants, Thinkers

D: Hugs, handshakes, or high fives?

DG: Hug Five?

Credits

words Doris Ho-Kane

images Doris Ho-Kane

video A film by DOMAHOKA

Magic Cave

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 04:17:48 +0000

Magic Cave

8 january mmxii

Dénouement, resolution, or catastrophe

Recently, Mark and I watched Another Earth and Melancholia, two films that are a sensitive, stoic, and quiet yet powerful approach to the end of days. There were absolutely no zombies (although, we do love a good zombie flick). Instead, there was a trio of captivating actresses: Brit, Charlotte, and Kirsten, doppelgängers, a wedding celebration/collapse, meteorological impossibilities, magical horseback riding, pure, raw emotions, and bittersweet dénouements. Both works revolved around another planet above the horizon, visible to the naked eye. One imminently destructive; the other, a possibly threatening mirror image.

Science fiction turns into fact: Within our galaxy, NASA has discovered Earth’s twin, Kepler-22b, which is 600 light years away. Last month, the Kepler Science Conference detailed the Earth-like planet that orbits a star within a habitable zone. The awesome Kepler spacecraft serves as a space observatory, surveying our Milky Way galaxy for Earth analogs that circle other stars. My obsession with space started a bit later than the usual “I want to be an astronaut when I grow up” proclamation of a seven year-old. In 9th grade, a biology project led me to an obsession with outer space and engineering. In my dreams, I would be invited to design space suits that not only surpassed rigid guidelines of stabilizing internal pressure, temperature regulation, UV and particle radiation shielding, et cetera, but would also be extremely beautiful and carefully handcrafted for our brave astronauts. Out of this world fashion, naturally.

This post is especially for my husband, who is in constant motion, always ahead of his time; wise beyond his years. Mark is fascinated by the (un)impending apocalypse, sci-fi, and anything cosmos-related. Born into the constellation of Capricornus, the 8th of January marks his birthday. Happy day, my love! The future awaits.

Credits

words Doris Ho-Kane

image Film stills from Another Earth

image Film stills from Melancholia / Photo by Christian Geisnaes

image Butterfly Nebula from NASA website

image Early 1800s illustration of Capricornus

When I Am A Kid

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 21:38:11 +0000

When I Am A Kid

1 january mmxii

An interview with the inimitable Demis Roussos

Doris will tell you, and I’m not ashamed to admit, I have a few man-crushes. There are the standard ones, like Clint Eastwood and Daniel Day Lewis, but at the top of that list (tied with Clint of course) is Demis Roussos. I first saw Demis in a YouTube clip from 1970 with his now legendary psychedelic-rock band, Aphrodite’s Child. Back then, he was a clean-shaven mod and I only noticed the amazing music that, somehow, I had never heard before. But, after a few clicks on related videos, onto my screen came a vision of awesomeness: Demis, now a solo act, hippier, happier, wearing a colorful caftan, with long unkempt hair, beard, with some sort of giant necklace made of animal teeth, and singing what sounded like happy Greek songs in English. I was smitten.

Demis is very well-known throughout the world for his career of making and performing great pop music (and singing them in an impressive number of languages). He was born in Alexandria, Egypt and moved to Greece as a boy, where he would eventually join a number of rock bands including Aphrodite’s Child. He is more known in younger circles for the incredible records he made with Aphrodite’s Child, and in particular bandmate Vangelis (who went on to score films such as Chariots of Fire and Blade Runner). Their final album, 666, released in 1972 was obviously controversial, sold over 20 million copies, and is now a psychedelic-rock classic.

Today, Demis is still making music and touring regularly. I was so excited when Demis answered several of my questions from his home in Paris. I hope you’re as smitten with him (and his use of smiley faces) as I am after reading this! Thank you, Mr. Roussos.

Mark: What is a typical day in the life of Demis Roussos these days?

Demis: I’m on tour in France right now, so basically, performing, eating and sleeping ;-)

M: Do you have a routine while you’re at home and not out performing?

D: When I’m at home I like to simply relax and read good books, listening to some opera music.

M: What was it like in Greece (and as you toured throughout Europe) during the 1960s?

D: I started to tour out of Greece in ’67. But before that, Greece was going through another hard time with the Colonels period. So, however, the country always has been good to artists like me, it was another one of these weird periods politically.

M: Were the music and cultural scenes similar to what was taking place in the United States?

D: Ho [sic] no! ;-)

M: What were some of your early musical influences at a child or teenager?

D: I liked jazz and rock mostly.

M: We always ask our interviewees a food question: what is your all-time favorite meal or food?

D: I have to admit I eat much lighter now, more veggies and fish etc. than when I was younger ;-)

M: Do you ever visit NYC?

D: So rarely unfortunately. New York is such a fantastic city and so powerful on independent culture!

M: Do you have a favorite place or memory of it?

D: I used to take my children for a walk in Central Park when they were younger and kept it like a peaceful and fantastic memory.

M: You’ve always had a great style and expressive way of dressing. Was there something that influenced you to embrace your own style?

D: No. Nothing but my spontaneous way of seeing life! ;-)

M: Who would you like to see in concert?

D: Elvis Presley!

M: If you weren’t singing/performing, what would you be doing in an alternate universe?

D: Cooking, decorating…any other artistic work anyhow.

M: What are the five most important people/things in your life?

D: Both my children and their four children of course!

Credits

words Mark Ho-Kane

images DemisRoussos.info forum

Kazuality

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 01:38:00 +0000

Kazuality

16 december mmxi

In an expression of the inexpressible, Kazu Makino of Blonde Redhead

December marks the end of 2011. It has been a year of transition, metamorphosis, movement for us. In 2012, we are excited about the future. When I think of metamorphosis, I often draw inspiration and reference from Kazu Makino of Blonde Redhead. From the first days of Blonde Redhead in 1993 to the present, Kazu has gracefully transformed and translated time through her music and inimitable style. A muse to me and to countless many, she has been very kind in answering some questions for us. I’ve been listening to Blonde Redhead since I was a teenager and am currently listening to Penny Sparkle as I write. Such beautiful noise; a haunting voice. When I first met Kazu in New York City, it was a surreal experience for me. As our paths continued to cross, my initial girl crush awe evolved into admiration and respect for a very real person that just happens to be one of the coolest ladies on Planet Earth. Blonde Redhead has been busy working on a compilation album, We Are The Works In Progress, that will be digitally released on January 10. It’s “a 14-song benefit album to support Japan and its ongoing efforts to heal, post-tsunami”. We’ll be continuing our conversation with lovely Kazu in the new year. This is only a blink, a glimpse. We’ll see you in MMXII.

Doris: You’re one of my personal style icons! Who or what do you find sartorial inspiration from?

Kazu: Thank you, Doris…I feel funny hearing that because I only think about being comfortable in my clothes. I love cozy and soft things…I fell in love with a man who always had cozy things on which made me want to touch it (him). I also love men’s clothes. Tailored jackets and utilitarian things are very attractive to me. I grew up in school uniform from six to the end of high school and literally grew in them. It was huge at first and slowly busted out…I love that. Even now I enjoy things totally oversized and sometimes wear things too short in every which way.

D: Tell me your favorite outfit to wear while taking Colette (Kazu’s feisty, adorable dog) for a walk.

K: It is not my favorite but I often find myself wearing trousers under my nighty ’cause of her urgency…skirt and pants combination.

D: If you could collaborate with any musician, past or present, who would it be?

K: There are artists I admire and it would be amazing to work with any of them. But it seems to me that it is profound how people come in and out of your life and that’s how collaborations start too…I can trust it more. For example, I have been listening to Ryuichi Sakamoto & Alva Noto’s record a lot…and I love it. Then I heard when I was in Japan that Alva would like to have me sing on his music and was blown away that he even knew me. It could just be a rumor…haha. In this compilation [We Are The Works In Progress] we are putting out has so many people I admire...Four Tet, Pantha du Prince, John Roberts. Any of these artists would be incredible to work with…especially because they don’t really sing.

D: The holidays are coming up—what dream gift would you want to find underneath the fir tree?

K: A pony…I would like my horse Flagmount Cliff(Harry)’s sister. Her name is Flagmount Ivy!

D: Describe the perfect wintertime meal and who you would share it with.

K: I love making soups in winter. The soup I love now has leeks, bacon, mushroom, potato with bit of milk and I add bok choy in the end. That with red wine and salad…I would love to have that with him…but can’t say who he is…:)

Credits

words Doris Ho-Kane

images Drew Brown

City of Angels

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:08:58 +0000

City of Angels

7 december mmxi

An interview with Jeana Sohn, creative priestess of LA

It’s awfully cold and dreary in New York right now, which naturally made me long for sunshine, the perfect avocado, and lush greenery. As much as I love Manhattan in the wintertime, Los Angeles and warmth is always enticing this time of year. To get my mind off the impending blizzards of East Coast (non-)lore, I’ve interviewed the priestess of a quieter side of LA, the creative anomaly that is Jeana Sohn. She paints, she boldly photographs, she directs beautiful fashion films, she dresses impeccably, and she cooks delicious Korean cuisine. In a nutshell, the ultimate jill-of-all-trades best friend that dreams are made of. Luckily, she has several online outlets in which you can pretend that you are her bestie. Closet Visit, for one, is an amazing visual feast for the eyes. Jeana features remarkable women in LA and their closets. Initially, you may just see clothing and gorgeous women, but a discerning look into one of these closets and you’re instantly transported to a land of infinite inspiration; a quick yet powerful delve into the lives of the West Coast’s hidden visionaries.

In a short period of time, Jeana has propelled herself from taking personal photos to shooting lookbooks for Wren, Jesse Kamm, and musician, Nicole Simone. She has also collaborated with Claire Cottrell on two Closet Visit films, entitled “Stella” and “Matilde”. Her namesake blog reveals that her magnificent circle encompasses a brilliant bevy of heavy hitters: Clare Vivier, coveted handbag designer; Beatrice Valenzuela, hairstylist and shoe designer extraordinaire; Melissa Coker, designer behind Wren; Heather Taylor, owner of Taylor de Cordoba gallery; and Joanna Williams, textile guru of Kneeland Co. Don’t get me wrong, I heart NYC times infinity, but being bi-coastal would be so much fun. Especially if it means hanging out with Jeana’s crew and sharing ideas over endless bowls of home cooked kimchi fried rice, a favorite Korean dish of our LA muse.

Doris: How long have you lived in LA? What keeps you there?

Jeana: I’ve been in LA about 10 years. I came here from Korea to attend CalArts but I met my lovely husband and fell in love with the city. LA has everything I love: the ocean, beautiful hills and parks, creative people, succulents, and warm weather.

D: What are some of your favorite spots in LA for clothes, unforgettable meals, the perfect cup of coffee, a sweet treat, and a quiet place to just relax and be inspired?

J: Clothes: Mohawk General Store and all of my designer friends’ studios.
Unforgettable meals: I LOVE going to Mozza Pizzeria and sitting at the bar for pizza and wine.
Perfect cup of coffee: Lamill Coffee, Figaro
A sweet treat: Lark for yummy cupcakes!
A quiet place: I live very close to Hollywood Reservoir. I go there often with my dogs and it’s the perfect place to think about my projects and get inspired.

D: You’re a maker! How do you balance being an illustrator, photographer, and style blogger? Are they all equal loves in your life?

J: It’s overwhelming sometimes. When I feel like I have too much on my plate, I take a break from one thing. Right now I’m focusing on photography and filmmaking. (Not to worry though! Closet Visit will be back on track soon.) I like trying different art forms.

D: What does the typical work day look like for you?

J: Everyday is different, but I usually get up, eat brunch, and get to work. My work day might be emailing ALL DAY or doing a photo shoot or editing photos or filming. I work until dinner and eat with my husband or friends. In the evening, I usually watch something fun and work on my laptop or hang out with my friends.

D: You have a strong network of really inspiring friends in LA. How did you all meet and how does this affect your own creative process?

J: I met many creative people through Closet Visit and became very good friends with them. We collaborate all the time and have regular happy hour meetings and talk about our current projects and goals. We really support each other.

D: How did you get the idea for Closet Visit? I love the women you’ve featured so far. Any plans to travel to other cities to peek into other tastemakers’ closets?

J: I wanted to start a project that could get me out of my studio. I loved taking photos and had some stylish friends so I thought about shooting them in their favorite outfits. I’d LOVE to travel to other cities for Closet Visit. I’m planning to start with New York in the Spring. (editor’s note: Hip, hip, hooray!)

D: Along with your personal blog, you also share a cooking blog, Bap Story, with Bo Carney of Mohawk General Store. How did this collaboration come about?

J: Actually, Bo came up with the idea. She wanted to show her friends how to make easy Korean dishes, and I thought that was a great idea since I have many non-Korean friends who love Korean food too. Also we loved the idea of cooking and eating home made Korean food together.

D: If you could only wear five brands/designers for the rest of your life, what/who would they be?

J: Black Crane, Boy. by Band of Outsiders, J. Crew, Margaret Howell, and Isabel Marant.

D: Describe your favorite outfit.

J: White button down (tucked in), mid rise Acne skinny jeans, school boy blazer with gold buttons, ballet flats or loafers, hair—messy and long, and a canvas tote.

D: What is inspiring you right now?

J: My amazing friends, French Vogue, light during golden hour, and Polaroid photography.

D: If you weren’t creating art or taking photos, what would you be doing in an alternate universe?

J: I wanted to be a landscape designer! I love plants and touching dirt.

D: If there was one album that would be the soundtrack to your life, what would it be?

J: That’s so hard! Hmm...El Perro Del Mar’s “Love Is Not Pop”?

Credits

words Doris Ho-Kane

images Jeana Sohn

Beta Movement

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 04:25:59 +0000

Beta Movement

1 december mmxi

DOMAHOKA in motion

Over Thanksgiving, we headed Upstate to visit family and friends. We brought along our camera and made our first venture into the world of digital video. We’re excited to share with you our adventures on the foggy, deep woods roads of Columbia County to the frosty morning mountaintops of Western Massachusetts.

Credits

words Mark Ho-Kane

video A film by DOMAHOKA. Editing and Post Production by Hotel Traffic.

music Mark Ho-Kane

The Cool Girl

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:40:43 +0000

The Cool Girl

21 november mmxi

An interview with Maya Villiger of Turned Out

I serendipitously came across Maya Villiger’s blog, Turned Out, in late 2008. In that instant, I knew it would easily become my favorite style blog of all time. Maya photographs girls who evoke quiet beauty, underlying strength, and an unobtrusive je ne sais quoi. It’s almost as if her images are subliminal. I can linger on one of her photos and at first, I’ll notice the obvious—amazing shot, stunning lady, and smart clothes. I take a second look and spy a knowing smirk, the contrasting locale, or a mutual joy shared by the lenswoman and her subject. There’s a story in every picture. The one thing that all of these women have in common is that they’re undeniably cool. Recently, Maya’s once crisp imagery has taken on a soft, dream-like quality. She has perfected the art of capturing striking images while simultaneously conjuring nostalgia and beauty in everyday life.

Maya often finds herself in front of the camera, as well. Her inimitable outfits which usually involve a ubiquitous pair of jeans and flats are atypical of the sartorial standbys for most who are “in” fashion. Her genuine, underived insouciance sets her apart from the rest of the pack. Can you imagine looking that good in a pair of blue jeans? Holler.

As a very exciting bonus, Maya has put together an awesome collage for DOMAHOKA, inspired by red—one of my favorite hues and the longest wavelength of light discernible by the human eye.

An interview with the artist below. Thank you for your tranquil genius and endless inspiration, Maya!

Doris: A little background, please.

Maya: I’m from New Zealand, my background is in advertising. I moved to America five years ago—to be with my now husband and we ended up staying. My photography has moved slowly from a personal thing into work, which I like. I look forward to developing my work over many years—it helps me see things in new ways.

D: Your blog is not the typical street fashion site. You primarily feature subjects who are not editors or It girls, but rather everyday girls. Well, everyday gorgeous girls! How do you decide who to shoot?

M: I just photograph people I can relate to in a way. Girls that have something that interest me visually or emotionally and now boys—all of a sudden I want to photograph boys.

D: What led you to photography and blogging?  

M: When I moved to New York, I was interested in trying to capture what I was seeing on the street—I loved looking at all the people. My boyfriend suggested I put these pictures on a blog.

D: What has been the most incredible experience of your career so far?

M: Hmmm, having people wanting to publish my work.

D: Who are your favorite designers?

M: Nicolas Ghesquière, Alaïa, and Phoebe Philo.

D: What is the one magical piece in your closet that you will wear even when you’re the vibrant age of 90?

M: Don’t know. Everything I own seems super practical. I hope I still wear blue jeans at 90 and cashmere, I’m sure. Actually, I’d like to keep my Tom Ford cats eye sunglasses—they will look better when I’m 90.

D: What are your sartorial dream purchases for this Fall/Winter?

M: I went to buy this outfit in Italy, but MY GOD the prix. I hope it’s on sale soon, I love it. :)

D: What are you currently loving, eating, reading, and listening to?

M: Making lots of nice hearty meals and wanting so much chocolate. I recently discovered the picture collection at the New York Public Library—such a good resource. Plus, I’m in the mood to watch movies. Just saw Beginners which really got me.

D: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose to settle down?

M: I would like to stay in New York and spend lots of time at home in New Zealand.

D: Describe the perfect late Autumn, cold weather meal.

M: Dark chocolate and some kind of stew with polenta, brussels sprouts.

D: What is your spirit animal?

M: Horse.

D: Where do you find inspiration?

M: People, forests, travel, walking the streets wherever I am.

D: Who/what are the five most important people/places/things in your life?

M: My family, my husband, New York, New Zealand, taking pictures, the feeling of being uninhibited, which happens on good days.

Credits

words Doris Ho-Kane

image Arnsdorf ‘1979’ 2012 A/W Southern Hemisphere/S/S Northern Hemisphere collection, photographed by Maya, styled by Stevie Dance, modeled by Ann Kelly

image Collage by Maya (images from Self Service, Richard Avedon, JuergenTeller.tumblr, Another Man)

image Maya by Hanneli Mustaparta and Phil Oh

image Maya by Tommy Ton

image Penny by Maya, Beginners illustration by Mike Mills

image Celine Pre-Fall 2011 plaid outfit via Style.com, vintage illustration of brussels sprouts by Artemis Ward, 1911

image Stevie and boat shoes by Maya

Hang Your Hat

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:51:32 +0000

Hang Your Hat

17 november mmxi

Home sweet home

Home is where you hang your hat—your knit cap full of fuzzy, wooly goodness now that it’s finally cold out. Infinite thanks to Mark for his amazing design skillz (yes, with a ’z’) and for rebuilding a new, improved home for DOMAHOKA. Hope you stay awhile.

Credits

words Doris Ho-Kane

image Little house photo by Mark Ho-Kane